Romo almost certain to start against Seahawks

12:03 p.m. PCT, ONXARD, Calif.  Bill Parcells all but announced today that backup Tony Romo would start at quarterback in the preseason opener against Seattle on Sunday.

“There is a pretty good chance that will happen, although I reserve the right to change my mind,” Parcells said.

The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. CDT in Seattle.

Parcells has said Romo can expect a lot of playing time during the preseason, which the coach has labeled a “test” for the fourth-year player.

Romo has yet to throw a pass in a regular-season game in the NFL, gaining most of his playing time as a holder for field goals.

“I need to find out what this guy can do,” Parcells said.

Parcells bristled at a reporter’s suggestion that Drew Bledsoe should start because the offense has struggled at times in practice.

“I’m trying to do something at the quarterback position that needs to be done,” Parcells said. “I’ve calculated what I’m doing here and I think this other thing is more important.

“We will get everybody in tune. I mean, it’s not like Bledsoe at 34 years old needs to play a quarter Saturday night to get ready for the season.”

Parcells said he plans on playing several of his younger players for at least two quarters. Among the rookie and second-year players expected to receive extended playing time are safety Patrick Watkins, offensive tackle Rob Petitti, defensive end Jason Hatcher and defensive tackles Montavious Stanley and Thomas Johnson.

Owner Jerry Jones also addressed the media today. The opening questions were all Terrell Owens-related.

Jones, not surprisingly, said he has no problem with Owens sitting out until he says his sore left hamstring is healed. Owens has missed the last 10 practices because of the injury, which he first reported to the Cowboys last Wednesday.

“We know that given his record of competition and his record throughout his career that he is making all the effort and every effort to prepare himself,” Jones said. “The NFL season is a marathon. You have to put that in perspective when you are talking about missing practices early. Will we even remember these conversations in September? My experience is that they are not remembered by anyone.”